Issues in Nov 23 by-elections revealed in FAFEN report

ISLAMABAD: The Fair and Free Election Network (FAFEN) has released its detailed report on the by-elections held on November 23, 2025, pointing to several significant concerns regarding the electoral process, despite acknowledging the overall arrangements as “good.”

FAFEN, which deployed 122 observers across 373 polling stations, reported that voter turnout was alarmingly low, with less than 50 per cent participation recorded in most constituencies. This figure raises questions about voter engagement and the efficiency of the election process.

The report also flagged multiple violations of the election code of conduct. It found that political party camps were set up dangerously close to polling stations, potentially influencing voters’ decisions. In 49 per cent of polling stations, political parties were observed facilitating the movement of voters, which could be seen as an attempt to sway the voting process.

Another serious concern highlighted in the report was the presence of election materials inside 16 polling stations, which could compromise the integrity of the election. Women, elderly, and disabled voters faced uneven arrangements, although voting remained peaceful and orderly at 93 percent of polling stations.

Additionally, the report identified several irregularities, including voters being turned away for using expired identity cards. At 29 percent of booths, assistant officers pre-signed ballot papers, while 28 per cent of stations reported pre-stamped ballots, a clear violation of electoral integrity.

Form 45, a crucial document that records election results, was not provided to polling agents at 6 polling stations, and at 43 per cent of polling stations, agents’ signatures were not obtained on the result forms. Moreover, 13 polling stations failed to provide Form 45 to election observers, further raising concerns about the transparency of the results.

Despite these issues, the FAFEN commended the peaceful nature of the voting process at most polling stations but noted that these irregularities and transparency gaps highlight the need for greater vigilance and improvements in future elections. The report serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in the country.